Analytical Chemistry, in its 12th issue and 80th volume in 2008, featured a fundamental review of electrochemical sensors written by past and present Schoenfisch Lab members B.J. Privett, Jae Ho Shin, and Mark H. Schoenfisch. The review detailed the 200 most significant advancements in the fields of potentiometric, voltammetric, and electrochemical biosensors from publications throughout the preceding two years. Sections of the invited review highlighted advancements in topics of notable interest to the Schoenfisch group, such as the voltammetric detection of nitric oxide as well as the employment of nitric oxide-releasing sensor coatings used to enhance the utility and lifetime of implanted in vivo sensors.
The members of The Spremulli Group are combining biochemistry and molecular biology to study protein synthesis in mammalian mitochondria. Factors required for the initiation and elongation steps of have been cloned and detailed protein chemistry is being carried out to study their properties. Mutations of several of these proteins are lethal in humans and these mutations are being studied to examine the underlying mechanism of their lethality. The interactions of these factors with ribosomes and the structures of these factors bound to ribosomes are being examined using cryoelectron microscopy. Chemical probing is being used to explore the structures of mitochondrial mRNAs. The tRNAs in mammalian mitochondria are quite unusual and mutations in them can cause human diseases. The underlying defects in these tRNAs are being probed at structural and biochemical levels providing an understanding of how the mutations lead to human disease.
Apart from all the work happening inside the structure, such as with ductwork, electrical, stairs, air handling equipment, and the million valves and pipes that fill the space above the future ceilings, the brickworkers on the outside of the building are quickly climbing up the facade, one row of bricks at a time. The masonry work on both East and West walls are now virtually complete.
These images were taken on August 19th. Roof covering is laid down, and windows are being put in. The connection between Caudill Labs and the new building is now covered and glassed. Next, openings will be made in the walls on the Caudill side to truly connect the new building as shown below. Both external and internal work plans are progressing on schedule.
Connecting walkway from "New Venable" to Caudill Labs
The Science Complex Courtyard with Kenan Labs in the background
External view of the connecting walkway from "New Venable" to Caudill Labs
Miles and miles of wires and pipes...
Future classrooms are beginning to take shape.
The above images chronologically depict the demolition of Venable Hall, followed by the site-preparation for and the construction of the Physical Sciences Building.
Follow the progress at the new Venable Hall construction site with our live webcam. The camera is located on the observation deck on top of Chapman Hall.
Although Old Venable Hall has been reduced to rubble, you still have an opportunity to retain a piece of the past, touch your memories and support Carolina Chemistry and the construction of New Venable Hall. We rescued a limited number of bricks from the east facade of Old Venable hall. Scrubbed meticulously clean and prepared to exacting standards by Alpha Chi Sigma volunteers, these rare artifacts are being offered to Venable alumni either as Chancellor's Edition Bricks, only 25 to be offered, Limited Edition Brick, only 250 to be offered, or as the Venable Brick Slice paper weight. Thank you for your continued support of UNC Chemistry.
To Donate to Chemistry and receive your Venable Hall memorabilia:
For additional information, please call 919-962-6193